Unlike most ventures, graphic design is client-centric. You can only over-deliver, there is no alternative.

And the only way to guarantee quality delivery is to probe the client till you come to a full understanding of your client’s requirements.

Summon the courage to ask every question that will help you deliver an excellent piece of design.

When possible, insist on specifications and minimum requirements that will make your clients happy.

It may be a specific text, shape, color, theme, tone or image that will eventually define the project.

Ask your client to be as precise as possible in what they want, and if you still don’t understand their needs, keep asking until you do.

Don’t be afraid to keep asking, because it would be unpardonable if you miss out on the original intentions of the client.

Ask questions about why they need the design in the first place. What is the purpose of the project? Who is the final end user?

These will give you a deeper understanding of your client’s needs and how best to approach the work.

Graphic design is a creative profession but we shouldn’t assume what the client wants. Good communication is the way not to miss out on building a long working relationship with your client.

Why you shouldn’t assume what your client wants?

One of the greatest questions every visual designer must ask is this: Am I solving the right problem?

The error in assuming what the client wants will drive you to create a masterpiece that will be rejected by the client.

All that effort and excitement will go down the drain despite your attempt to create the next wonder.

That’s why you must learn to ask the right questions and seek more clarifications when the goal of the client is not clear.

You not only need to establish the desired outcome from the beginning, you should also get feedbacks before going too far into the design.

Break your work into phases and get feedback as you complete each phase.

This will not only save you a lot of time but also ensure that you don’t have to start over just when you thought the project was completed.

Ideally you wish that clients would just accept your project and praise your genius without questions. But that’s not always the case.

So, don’t be afraid to keep clarifying and your clients will thank you ultimately.

Why should designers over promise and over deliver to their clients?

The popular consensus is that visual designers should under promise and over deliver to their clients.

Some have argued that this mantra will keep customer loyal and protect the designer when form unforeseen losses.

Well, clients don’t trust designers who approach their businesses with such mindset.

Moreover, it leads to mediocrity, especially when there is a deadline to beat.

My candid advice is this: Bite more than you can chew.

Overpromise, then put yourself under the pressure of creating your best design yet.

In a crowded marketplace, visual designers who under promise quickly go into oblivion.

By under promising, you are forced to communicate a statement of inadequacy or uncertainty to the client.

Let the expectations be high and deliver on those expectations.

Simply put, over promise and over deliver.

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